Increased body mass index: what is the influence on ventilatory muscular strength?

Abstract

Introduction: Ventilatory muscle strength (VMS) and anatomical/biological factors are important in the functioning and maintenance of body homeostasis. Thus, the study of respiratory mechanics and conditions that can alter them is fundamental. Studies indicate that obesity decreases the Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP), however, these studies are contradictory in their results. Objective: To verify if there is a difference between the VMS of obese and eutrophic individuals. Methods: Comparative observational study, in which 40 individuals of both sexes were evaluated, divided into two groups: 20 individuals with grade I obesity and 20 eutrophic individuals. Abdominal circumference was considered to be > 102 cm for men and 88 cm for women. Two-way unpaired Student's t-test was applied to compare the Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP) of the evaluated groups. The BioEstat 5.0 program was used and a p ˂ 0.05 was adopted as significant. Results: The mean MIP for obese and eutrophic individuals was 147 ± 73 vs 145 ± 70 cmH2O, respectively (p = 0.91). For MEP, the mean for the obese and eutrophic group was 133 ± 28 vs 135 ± 27 cmH2O, respectively (p = 0.93). Conclusion: Sedentary individuals with grade I obesity associated with increased waist circumference do not differ in MIP and MEP when compared to eutrophic individuals.Keywords: obesity, work capacity assessment, functional physical performance.